Byron Spear joined the team at Banner in September of 2022. Drawing from over a decade of experience in youth & worship ministry, he brings a passion for seeing people discover their God-given gifts and helping them find ways to use those gifts to advance the Kingdom. Byron married his beautiful wife, Alicia, in February of 2021. In December of 2024, they were blessed with twin boys, Calvin and Samuel. Together, they enjoy reading, going for walks, and spending time with friends and family.
Byron holds a Bachelor of Science in Religion from Liberty University and a Masters in Pastoral Leadership from Huntington University.
Rev. Bruce Kuiper is the leader of Grace Legacy Builders. He and his wife Michelle are graduates of Hope College. Michelle has now returned to teaching in Byron Center. They have four wonderful daughters, Kaycee, Rachel, Maryn, and Courtney. Bruce graduated from seminary and was a Senior Pastor for 20 years. He also studies under Dr. Joel Beeke at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary (PRTS).
Ashley Giovannucci (M.A. Biblical Studies, Grand Rapids Theological Seminary) has called Banner home since she was a little girl. Now, she and her husband, Joseph, are raising their three daughters here with a heart for family discipleship.
In 2010, she co-founded Across My Heart Ministries and regularly speaks and writes on the culturally relevant topics of biblical sexual ethics. She currently teaches high school apologetics and loves crafting in her spare time. With a background in event production, she loves creating meaningful experiences for the Church to encounter the presence of the Living God.
Linda grew up in Grand Rapids. She attended Western Michigan University where she received a BS degree and has been working as the Office Manager since 2008. Linda and her husband, Mark, have 3 great kids, Kyle, Shaun & Anna, and 3 grandchildren. They enjoy camping, kayaking and gardening.
Kennedie Brown
WORSHIP DIRECTOR
Kennedie Brown (B.A. in Biblical Studies and Music, Moody Bible Institute) serves as the Worship Director at Banner Church. Raised in a family dedicated to music ministry, she feels privileged to carry on that legacy in a role that honors both her heritage and her calling. Kennedie is passionate about leading the church in worship that is joyful, authentic, and fully devoted to God.
Banner Church is also where she met the love of her life, Levi Smith—the worship team’s bass player. They are currently planning their long-awaited November wedding. Outside of ministry, Kennedie enjoys songwriting, creative arts, fishing, spending time with her Havanese pup Desilu, and planning her next trip to Cedar Point to ride the coasters with Levi.
